Search and Rescue Application (SARApp TM ) Version User Guide

Transcription

1 Search and Rescue Application (SARApp TM ) Version User Guide 29 July 2013 Prepared by: Metron, Incorporated El Camino Real, Suite 260 San Diego, CA 92130

2 Copyright Metron, Incorporated All Rights Reserved Republication or redistribution of this material is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Metron, Incorporated.

3 PREFACE This user guide covers the Search and Rescue Application (SARApp) server software current as of the date of publication, and the SARApp Client version The guide will be updated periodically to account for new software releases and added features as they are made available. Funding for SARApp is provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Information Innovation Office (I2O) Transformative Apps program. Please send comments and corrections to Metron, Inc. i

4 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION Background System Overview SARAPP SERVER Account Creation and Sign-in Creating a Server Account Signing In Search Management Resource Management Define Sector Assign Sector Review Map Searcher Tool Menu Activity SARAPP ANDROID APPLICATION Account Creation and Check-in Assignments Selecting Assignments Application Settings Search Details Map Map Options SARAPP IOS APPLICATION Account Creation and Check-in Assignments Selecting Assignments Search Details Map Map Settings Clues APPENDICES Mission Manager Guide NICS Guide Metron, Inc. ii

5 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND The Search and Rescue Application (SARApp) leverages the GPS location services resident in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to track a searcher's progress in real time. Tracks are wirelessly sent over the cellular network or Wi-Fi to a web-based server application for use by the search manager in the Incident Command Post. The server displays the tracks on a map and uses them to estimate probability of detection (POD) achieved in a given sector for improved search planning. The SARApp Client App also allows collection of photo, video, text, and audio evidence in the field and transmission of these to the server, where they are displayed on the map. 1.2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW 1. SARApp Server. The SARApp Server is a web-based tool that allows the search manager to create searches, define and edit search sectors, assign resources, and monitor search progress and information. The server is accessible via the SARApp website at 2. SARApp Client. The SARApp Client is available on both ios and Android devices. It allows searchers to log in to a search, get assignments, record search tracks (to be relayed back to the command center in real time or uploaded manually), and record and transmit clues as they are found. It is available from the Apple and Google Play App Stores; links are included on the SARApp website. Metron, Inc. 1

6 2.0 SARAPP SERVER 2.1 ACCOUNT CREATION AND SIGN-IN CREATING A SERVER ACCOUNT To use the SARApp Client on a search, the search must first be created in the SARApp Server. The server allows you to specify subject information, create sectors, assign resources, and view tracks and evidence. Each organization's access is limited to the searches it has created and the searchers who have volunteered to the organization. To register for a server account, complete the online form on the SARApp website. Metron will send an with a temporary password and initial instructions for getting started once the account is created. Note: The Desired User Name should be a generic login ID for your organization. It is meant to be shared with anyone in an organization who will be assuming the role of Incident Commander. SARApp users must volunteer to your Volunteer Alias via the App to appear as an available resource in your search. Please be careful to provide the exact spelling of your Volunteer Alias to searchers so they can successfully volunteer. The field is not case sensitive. The server login name and volunteer alias can contain space characters; however, no leading or trailing spaces are allowed. You should keep your Volunteer Alias short i.e., use your organization s acronym to avoid data input errors. Searchers are required to input the specific organization they are volunteering to rather than choosing from a list to protect the privacy and confidentiality of organizations using SARApp. After a server account is created, you will receive a confirmation with the information you have provided, as shown in the following example: Successfully added a new account: Login name: example@xyz.com Volunteer Alias: Example Alias Password: AaBbCc Name: Example Organization: Search Org Website: Address: 123 Main St City/State/Zip/Country: San Diego, CA Phone: @search.com Metron, Inc. 2

7 2.1.2 SIGNING IN To access the SARApp server, go to and click Login to SARApp Server. The password created for your account is meant to be temporary; it can be changed on this page using the Change Password link below the Sign In button (Figure 2-1). Once you have a new password, you can log in here by entering your Username and Password. Figure 2-1 Server Sign In Once logged in to the server, you have access to the full range of server tools. SARApp allows you to create searches, build search sectors, assign resources, and track overall search activity. The server is divided into four main views: Search Management, Resource Management, Map, and Activity (Figure 2-2). Figure 2-2 Server Views 2.2 SEARCH MANAGEMENT From the default Search Management screen, you can create a new search or access an existing search using the Existing Search Name drop down box (Figure 2-3). Metron, Inc. 3

8 Figure 2-3 Search Management View To create a new search, the following fields are mandatory: a) Search Name: Requires a unique name for each search. b) Target Type: Aircraft, Person, Vehicle, or Other c) Target First Name d) Target Last Name e) Search Status: Active, Suspended, or Closed i. Active searches can accept volunteers. ii. Suspended searches do not accept volunteers. iii. Closed searches log a Search End Date and do not accept volunteers. Additional fields may also be included: f) Search Start Date: Start Date is automatically populated when the search is created, but can be changed to any desired date and time. g) Search End Date: Applicable only if Search Status is Closed. h) Search Location: Input as a zip code. This is used to center the map in the map view. i) Description: A short description of the search subject and any amplifying information that searchers would find useful. j) Subject Image: Browse to select a file to upload. Multiple pictures are permitted. k) Image Description: Amplifying information on the picture (e.g., when it was taken). After entering all required information, click Create Search and the search will be created and saved to the server. To open and edit any previously-created searches, select the search from the Existing Search Name drop down box. Searches can be sorted by Name or Modified Time using the accompanying drop box. Make any necessary edits and click Upload Image/Update Search Info to save. Metron, Inc. 4

9 The Incident Command Post (ICP) can be configured by clicking Setup ICP. From this dialog, you can assign the ICP Name, Incident Commander (IC) Title, IC Name, and a contact Phone Number (Figure 2-4). You can also specify the ICP location later in the Map view. Figure 2-4 Setup ICP You can export geo-referenced search information (clues, tracks, and sectors) for viewing in Google Earth using KML Network Linking. The KML Network Link button brings up a dialog that gives choices for the information to be exported (Figure 2-5). The options include: a) Search Description and ICP Information b) Subject Images and Descriptions c) Searcher Track information a. Last Known Location Only b. Last Track Only c. All Tracks d. Probability Of Detection Heat Map d) Clue Images e) Clue Names and Descriptions Additional options include: f) Refresh Interval, which allows you to specify how frequently information is dynamically queried from the search and updated to the KML Network Link. g) Re-Generate a New Authentication Token, which creates a new authentication token so that users with the old authentication token will no longer have access to the SARApp data. Metron, Inc. 5

10 Figure 2-5 KML Network Link Make selections and click OK to create a URL and XML encoding of the information, which can then be imported into Google Earth (Figure 2-6). Figure 2-6 KML Encoding Metron, Inc. 6

11 2.3 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Under the Resource Management view there are three sub views: Define Sector, Assign Sector, and Review (Figure 2-7). Figure 2-7 Resource Management Sub Views DEFINE SECTOR The Define Sector sub view allows you to create sectors or grids that will be used as search areas. This sub view contains a map using the Google Maps API, a sector creator tool on the bottom, and a sector editor and tool menu on the left (Figure 2-8). Figure 2-8 Define Sector View The Map The map uses the Google Maps API. If Map is selected in the top right, click the Terrain check box to display streets and terrain. If Satellite is selected, click the Labels check box to display the Google satellite map and street name overlays. Google Street View is also accessible by dragging the person icon above the zoom scale to a location. Metron, Inc. 7

12 Sector Creator To create a single sector, click three or more points on the map and click the Create Sector button at the bottom of the screen. Alternately, to create multiple sectors in a grid pattern, click points on the map to define the grid boundary, specify the number of rows and columns, and click the Create Grid button (Figure 2-9). Figure 2-9 Sector Creator Tool Using either method, you can specify the following sector properties in the sector creator tool prior to creating the sector(s): a) Sector Name: If a single sector is created, this will be the sector name. If a grid is created, the grids will be numbered based on this name. The default name is Sector-A. b) Sweep Width (ft.): This is an estimate of a searcher s ability to find the target within the sector. The greater the sweep width, the more detectable the target is from a distance. Sweep width is measured to either side of a searcher. The total area swept as the searcher moves equals twice the sweep width multiplied by the path length. c) Prior Dist. (%): Prior Distribution is the initial probability that a given search sector contains the target. This probability will be normalized so that all the probabilities in all the sectors in the search sum to 100%. d) Mini Cell Factor: This adjusts the granularity of the probability of detection (POD) calculation. The POD is calculated by dividing a sector into mini cells and using a weighted random search formula to derive a measure of completeness for each cell. If more mini cells are used, the geographic resolution of POD is finer. e) Sector Objective: This is a short description of the objective of the searcher(s) assigned to a given sector. The maximum number of characters is 256. For example, the sector objective could be Re-check the area previously searched for clues. The sector objective is pushed to the Client App along with the sector boundaries to display to searchers in the field. You can also edit these properties after the sector is created (see the next section). An example of sectors and grids that can be created is displayed in Figure Metron, Inc. 8

13 Figure 2-10 Define Sector Map Edit Sector and Miscellaneous Tools Menu The Edit Sector and Miscellaneous Tools menus contain several features to help you create and modify search sectors (Figures 2-11 through 2-13). a) Edit Selector: The Edit Selector allows you to delete sectors by selecting their check boxes and clicking Delete. You can edit waypoints by clicking the waypoint icon in the list corresponding to the sector, dragging or adding waypoints, then clicking Apply. Finally, you can edit Sector Names by clicking the corresponding Name link, editing the name, and clicking Apply. b) Map Locator: The Map Locator section allows you to quickly re-center the map as desired. You can enter any address and click Center On Map to quickly go to that location. Click Search Location to auto-populate the location field with the search zip code or ICP Location to auto-populate the location field with the ICP location entered earlier. Metron, Inc. 9

14 c) Map Ruler: Click on the ruler icon to access the Map Ruler. This sets the ruler s center on the map. Clicking and dragging from this point creates a radius measurement. You can then drag both the initial point and radius measurement. Measurements are provided in either meters or yards by choosing from the combo box on the left hand menu. Remove Rulers deletes all rulers from the map. d) Miscellaneous Tools: Includes the Search Calculator and Setup ICP. i. Search Calculator: The Search Calculator is a planning tool used to calculate the relationship between POD in each Sector, Searchers Available, and Number of Operational Periods. Specify two of these values and click Compute to calculate the third value required to complete the task. Click the More link to edit the Assumed Search Speed and Length of One Operational Period calculation. ii. Setup ICP: You can configure the ICP in this view or in the Search Management view. In this view, clicking Setup ICP will place the ICP icon on the map, where it can then be dragged to the appropriate location. Figure 2-11 Define Sector Edit Sector Menu Figure 2-12 Define Sector Tool Menu Metron, Inc. 10

15 Figure 2-13 Search Calculator ASSIGN SECTOR The Assign Sector view (Figure 2-14) allows you to assign searchers to sectors. Each searcher who has volunteered to the Volunteer Alias associated with the current server account will be displayed with their Login ID, Searcher Name, Organization, and Assigned Sectors (if any). To assign one or more searchers to a sector, click on the check boxes next to the searcher(s), select a sector in the drop down box, and click Assign. To display the map in this view, click the checkbox next to Show Map. Only searchers who have checked into the server account s Volunteer Alias using the SARApp Client will appear in this table. When searchers check out using the App, their information will disappear from the table. Click the Refresh button to update the table as needed. Figure 2-14 Assign Sector View REVIEW The Review sub view (Figure 2-15) displays summary information about searchers, their assignments, and their progress. From this view you can filter by Start Date, End Date, Searcher Name, or Sector name, and delete or update assignments by selecting the appropriate rows and clicking Delete Assignment or Update Assignment. Note that deleting an assignment will also delete any searcher tracks associated with that assignment. Be careful not to confuse the Review view with the Assign Sector view. Searchers names will remain in the Review view as documentation of their search efforts, even after they have checked out and disappeared from the Assign Sector view. Metron, Inc. 11

16 Figure 2-15 Review View 2.4 MAP The map sub view (Figure 2-16) contains a map, a searcher tool menu, and options to control the refresh rate. Figure 2-16 Map View SEARCHER TOOL MENU The Searcher Tool Menu (Figure 2-17) includes: a) Searcher Tracks: Check the appropriate boxes to view all tracks or specific searchers tracks. Roll the mouse over a searcher s name in the list to display information about that searcher s device and their last track update time. Click on a searcher to center the map on the searcher s last known location. b) Clues: This shows clues submitted by searchers via the Client App. Clues may include images, videos, audio recordings, and text notes. c) Contribution Percentage: This shows the percentage of total tracking contributed by each organization, as specified by the Organization field in a searcher s Profile on the Client App. d) Map Locator: This provides the same functionality as the Map Locator on the Define Sector sub view. e) Map Overlays: The radio buttons in Map Overlays give you three options for displaying information on the map: Show Tracks, Hide Tracks, or Show Tracks Metron, Inc. 12

17 Inside Assigned Sectors Only. The Show POD Overlay checkbox toggles POD shading on and off on the map. f) Map Ruler: This provides the same functionality as the Map Ruler on the Define Sector sub view. g) Miscellaneous Tools: Includes the Search Calculator and Send Alert Message. i. The Search Calculator: This provides the same functionality as the Search Calculator on the Define Sector sub view. ii. Send Alert Message: You can use this function to type a short message to be pushed to searchers in the field via the SARApp Client. The message will be displayed to searchers the next time their Client pulls data from the server. Figure 2-17 Map Tools Metron, Inc. 13

18 Live Mode Live Mode (Figure 2-18) allows you to set up an automatic refresh schedule for information displayed on the map. Live Mode is on by default with a refresh rate of every three seconds, but that rate can be adjusted (or live mode can be turned off entirely) to save bandwidth. The Live Mode controls are located at the bottom of the Map view. Live Mode Figure 2-18 Live Mode Working with Clues The Clue list at the left of the map shows all clues submitted by searchers during the search (Figure 2-19). Figure 2-19 Clue List Each clue has an associated icon that also appears on the map in the location where the clue was collected. The icon indicates the media used to record the clue: text, audio, video, or photo. Clicking on the people icon next to the clue name brings up the Clue Approved Viewers dialog box (Figure 2-20). Metron, Inc. 14

19 Figure 2-20 Clue Approved Viewers By default, only the searcher who collected a clue and the search manager operating the server can see a given clue. This protects sensitive information. You can use the Approved Viewers dialog to share the clue with additional searchers. Check individual searchers or All Searchers and click OK to queue the clue for download by those searchers when their mobile devices next connect to the server. Roll the mouse over a clue in the list to bring up the clue description, a thumbnail picture, the submitter s name, and the time of submission. Click on a clue in the list, or on a clue icon on the map, to bring up a separate window for viewing the clue. Use this window to update the clue description, rotate a picture, view a picture in full size, or launch the Approved Viewers dialog. Clicking on a clue in the list also re-centers the map to include the clue s location (Figure 2-21). Figure 2-21 Viewing Clues Metron, Inc. 15

20 2.5 ACTIVITY The Activity view (Figure 2-22) logs all relevant activity for a search. This includes search creation, sector definitions and deletions, member assignments, track submissions, and clue submissions. Figure 2-22 Activity View These items can be filtered by Time (using a string to filter results), Event Type, Member, and Media Type. Metron, Inc. 16

21 3.0 SARAPP ANDROID APPLICATION 3.1 ACCOUNT CREATION AND CHECK-IN The SARApp Client mobile application for Android devices can be downloaded and installed from the Google Play App Store. Search for SARApp and select the app developed by Metron, Inc. to install it on your Android device. Or visit for a direct link to SARApp on the Google Play site. To join a SARApp search, you must first check in and volunteer to the organization managing the search. To start, select the appropriate Server in the first field: SARApp, Mission Manager, or NICS. This User s Guide describes Client functionality when connected to the SARApp server. The Mission Manager and NICS servers are described briefly in the appendices. Unless you are an existing Mission Manager or NICS user intending to use the SARApp Client with that server, select the SARApp server. The required login credentials for the SARApp Server (Figure 3-1) include: Username Password Volunteer Alias provided by the search manager. Figure 3-1 Login View Metron, Inc. 17

22 The SARApp server allows users to create accounts from the Client App (Figures 3-2 and 3-3). Once you have specified a username and password, tap Check-in to complete the server check in. If the username is not already in use, you will be asked if you want to create an account. To create an account, tap Create and input your First Name, Last Name, Callsign (optional), Phone Number (optional), Organization, and Address. Once the account is created, you will be automatically checked in. Figure 3-2 Searcher Account Creation Dialog 1 Figure 3-3 Searcher Account Creation Dialog 2 From this point on, you can sign in for subsequent sessions with the same username and password. After checking out, you can update your profile by selecting the menu button on your Android device and tapping Update Profile. Users can volunteer to any organization whose Volunteer Alias they know, but will only receive information on searches to which they are assigned on the SARApp server. 3.2 ASSIGNMENTS Use the Mgmt. view to select your assignment and configure Client settings (Figure 3-4). Metron, Inc. 18

23 3.2.1 SELECTING ASSIGNMENTS Once checked in, switch to the Mgmt. view and tap the Refresh button (the blue arrow) to pull any search assignments from the server (Figure 3-5). Figure 3-4 Mgmt. View Figure 3-5 Refreshed View After you download your search assignments to the Client, the Search and Sector fields will be populated. Select the search and sector you wish to support, as well as the transport mode you intend to use on the search (Figures 3-6 and 3-7). Note that multiple assignments might be downloaded; assignments remain active until they are suspended or closed by the search manager on the server. Metron, Inc. 19

24 Figure 3-6 Mgmt. Sector Figure 3-7 Mgmt. Mode Tap Start Tracking to bring up a summary of the current selections and search details (Figure 3-8). Tap OK to begin tracking and sending data back to the server. The Menu button on an Android device (in the Mgmt. view) provides additional options for manually Uploading Tracks, Clearing GPS Data, Clearing Tracks, and configuring additional app Settings (Figure 3-9). When you tap Stop Tracking, you will be asked to confirm, and you will be given the option to export and transmit a GPX-formatted version of your current track (Figure 3-10). Note: If you set a default method for transmitting GPX tracks, this can be reset using the following steps: Tap the menu button from the Android home screen. Choose settings, then Applications, then Manage applications. Find the entry for the relevant application (i.e., Dropbox or ) and tap it. Tap the Clear defaults button. Metron, Inc. 20

25 Figure 3-8 Start Tracking Figure 3-9 Tracking Menu Figure 3-10 Stop Tracking Metron, Inc. 21

26 3.2.2 APPLICATION SETTINGS SARApp is highly customizable. Below is a description of application settings. Tap the Menu button on an Android device while in the Mgmt. view to edit these settings Basic Settings The Basic Settings (Figure 3-11) include: a) Minimum Elapsed Time: Specifies the minimum time interval between location updates, in seconds. b) Minimum Distance: Specifies the minimum distance interval between location updates, in meters. c) Track Smoother: This feature is designed to reject spurious GPS waypoints caused by obstructions and other signal interference. The track smoother determines if newly collected waypoints are feasible by calculating the maximum distance that could be traveled since the last waypoint time using the speed associated with the currently selected Transport Mode. Waypoints that are deemed infeasible are not added to the current track. Be sure to select the select the Transport Mode that corresponds to the maximum speed you expect to travel before you start tracking. The following values represent the assumed maximum speed for each Transport Mode: Walk: 5 mph Vehicle: 85 mph Airplane: 150 mph Horseback: 10 mph Boat: 45 mph Bike: 15 mph You can turn off GPS Track Smoothing to record all collected waypoints. d) Connection Type: Specifies the types of connections over which data should be passed. Options include Wi-Fi Only and Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks. e) Enable SSL Security: Encrypts transmissions when activated. f) Map Settings: Menu item for map settings. g) Advanced Settings: Menu item for additional settings. Metron, Inc. 22

27 Figure 3-11 Basic Search Settings Map Settings Selecting Map Settings (Figure 3-12) from the Basic Settings Menu makes the following options available: a) Keep Screen On: Disables the automatic screen idle procedure when SARApp is open in the foreground. This option will increase battery usage. b) Text Size: Changes the text size on the map overlay. c) Extra Data at Waypoint: Displays Speed, Accuracy, or Elapsed Time next to each waypoint on the map. d) Display Sweep Area: Displays swept areas in the sector. e) Enable Coverage Transparently: Displays the swept area transparently. f) Playback Speed: Specifies the track playback speed. If set to 1, every waypoint is shown. If set to 2, every other waypoint is shown, etc. Refer to section (Map Options) for more information on playing back tracks in the Map view. Metron, Inc. 23

28 Figure 3-12 Map Settings Advanced Settings Selecting Advanced Settings (Figures 3-13 and 3-14) from the Basic Settings Menu makes the following options available: a) NICS Server Hostname: Specifies an external server host name to which tracking data will be sent. b) NICS Server Port Number: Specifies an external server port number to which tracking data will be sent. c) Auto Track Upload: Enables automatic track upload. If this is not selected, you must upload your tracks manually by selecting Upload Tracks from the options menu in the Mgmt. view. d) Track Point Upload Interval: Specifies the number of waypoints that must be collected before a track update is sent to the server. e) Download Member Tracks: Allows you to automatically download the tracks of other members in the organization assigned to the same search. You can manually download tracks by selecting Get Others Tracks from the options menu in the Map view. f) Download Member Tracks Interval: Specifies the rate in seconds at which other members tracks are downloaded. Metron, Inc. 24

29 g) Center on Member Track: Allows you to follow another searcher s track on the map instead of your own. h) Waypoint Accuracy Filter: Allows you to specify the minimum accuracy, in meters, required for a GPS waypoint to be recorded instead of discarded. i) Skip Waypoint Interval: Causes waypoints to be omitted from the map, to help declutter the map display. If the value is small, fewer waypoints are skipped and more are displayed on the map. If the value is large, more waypoints are skipped and fewer are displayed on the map. j) Status Update Interval: Defines how often (in minutes) to check the server for new tasking or updates when not in Tracking mode. k) Track Point Segment Limit: Limits the number of waypoints that can be uploaded at any one time. l) SARApp Alias: Alias of SARApp server. m) Enable Sound: Enables sound effects at SARApp start up. n) Show All My Tracks: Toggles between displaying all tracks stored on the device or just the tracks associated with the current search. Figure 3-13 Advanced Settings 1 Figure 3-14 Advanced Settings 2 Metron, Inc. 25

30 3.3 SEARCH DETAILS Details about the search, subject, clues, and assigned searchers can be found in the Detail view (Figure 3-15). Figure 3-15 Detail View Figure 3-16 Search Information Each item in the Detail view is an expandable menu. Search Information (Figure 3-16) shows the search description as well as information about the ICP and your assigned search sector, as specified on the SARApp server. Note that the GPS lat/long waypoints defining the search sector boundary are provided in case you wish to enter the sector into a handheld GPS unit. Tap Description to bring up a short description of the search and the target s picture, if one was provided (Figure 3-17). Tap ICP to bring up the ICP phone number (if one was specified on the SARApp server), along with an option to call it. Metron, Inc. 26

31 Figure 3-17 Description View Select Subject Information to see a short description of the subject and a picture, if available (Figures 3-18 and 3-19). Figure 3-18 Subject Information Figure 3-19 Subject Image Metron, Inc. 27

32 Select Clues to show a list of clues. This list includes all clues you have collected, as well as any clues collected by other searchers and forwarded to you by the search manager via the SARApp server. Tap any clue to see further details, including the description, location, and associated media. Tap Searchers to show a list of active searchers. Tap any searcher to display their Name, Organization, and Phone Number, with the option to call that searcher if desired (Figures 3-20 and 3-21). Figure 3-20 Clues Figure 3-21 Searchers 3.4 MAP You can view your tracks in the Map view. You can also view search sectors, other searchers tracks, and clue locations (Figure 3-22). The map uses the Google Maps API. Tap the Menu button to center on your GPS location, add overlays, get and show tracks, create new clues, and more (Figure 3-23). Tap and hold the POD icon in the top right corner of the map to toggle the display of sector details. Metron, Inc. 28

33 Figure 3-22 Map View Figure 3-23 Map Menu MAP OPTIONS a) My Location: Re-centers the map on your current GPS location. b) Overlays: Allows you to include satellite and/or traffic data on the map, in addition to the street information shown by default (Figure 3-24). You can also toggle track labels on and off. c) Show Tracks: Allows you to select which tracks you would like to show or hide on the map, or which tracks to delete entirely (Figure 3-25). Metron, Inc. 29

34 Figure 3-24 Map Overlay Options Figure 3-25 Show Track Options d) New Clue: Allows you to create and upload a new photo, video, audio, or text clue (Figure 3-26). Select picture or video to open the device s camera application with the option to upload after finishing the task. Select audio or text clue to open a new view (Figures 3-27 and 3-28). For an audio clue, you can record an audio clip and enter a title and description. For a text clue, you can enter a title and text message. In all cases, you can choose to upload the clue immediately or at a later time. If you choose to upload later, you can upload the clue by tapping its icon in the Map view or by tapping the clue name in the Clues list in the Detail view. Upload Later is provided for situations where cell connectivity is poor or nonexistent, and can also be used to preserve data usage. Metron, Inc. 30

35 Figure 3-26 New Clue Options Figure 3-27 Text Clue Figure 3-28 Audio Clue Metron, Inc. 31

36 Playback and Full Map Mode: Tap More in the options menu to select Playback or Full Map Mode (Figure 3-29). Playback allows a track to be displayed incrementally on the map (i.e., played like a movie). You can adjust the number of waypoints actually played back in the Map Settings menu. Use Full Map Mode to display the map on your entire screen. Tap the Back key on your device to exit Full Map Mode. Figure 3-29 More Map Options Metron, Inc. 32

37 4.0 SARAPP IOS APPLICATION 4.1 ACCOUNT CREATION AND CHECK-IN The SARApp Client mobile application for ios devices can be downloaded and installed from the Apple App Store. Search for SARApp and select the app developed by Metron, Inc. to install it on your ios device. Alternatively, visit for a direct link to SARApp on the Apple App Store. SARApp works on both iphones and ipads, but the App is only listed under iphone Apps on the Apple App Store. To use SARApp on your ipad, search for it under iphone Apps and download/install it like any other ipad App. The only features you cannot use on the ipad are Call ICP and Call Searcher, since the ipad does not support voice calls. To join a SARApp search, you must first check in and volunteer to the organization managing the search. To start, select the appropriate Server in the first field: SARApp, Mission Manager, or NICS. This User s Guide describes Client functionality when connected to the SARApp server. The Mission Manager and NICS servers are described briefly in the appendices. Unless you are an existing Mission Manager or NICS user intending to use the SARApp Client with that server, select the SARApp Server. The required login credentials (Figure 4-1) for the SARApp Server include: Username Password Volunteer Alias provided by the search manager Figure 4-1 Login View Metron, Inc. 33

38 The SARApp server allows users to create accounts from the Client App (Figures 4-2 and 4-3). Once you have specified a username and password, tap Check-in to complete the server check in. If the username is not already in use, you will be asked if you want to create an account. To create an account, tap Create and input your First Name, Last Name, Callsign (optional), Phone Number (optional), Organization, and Address. Once the account is created, you will be automatically checked in. Figure 4-2 Searcher Account Creation Dialog 1 Figure 4-3 Searcher Account Creation Dialog 2 From this point on, you can sign in for subsequent sessions with the same username and password. After checking out, you can update your profile by tapping the profile icon to the right of the username field. Additionally, you can find information about the version of SARApp you are using by tapping the i info icon. Users can volunteer to any organization whose Volunteer Alias they know, but will only receive information on searches to which they are assigned on the SARApp server. 4.2 ASSIGNMENTS Use the Mgmt. view to select your assignment (Figure 4-4). Metron, Inc. 34

39 4.2.1 SELECTING ASSIGNMENTS Once checked in, switch to the Mgmt. view and tap the Refresh button (the blue arrow) to pull any search assignments from the server (Figure 4-5). Figure 4-4 Mgmt. View Figure 4-5 Refreshed View After you download your search assignments to the Client, the Search and Sector fields will be populated. Select the search and sector you wish to support, as well as the transport mode you intend to use on the search (Figures 4-6 and 4-7). Note that multiple assignments might be downloaded; assignments remain active until they are suspended or closed by the search manager on the server. Metron, Inc. 35

40 Figure 4-6 Sector Selection Figure 4-7 Transportation Mode Tap Start Tracking to bring up a summary of the current selections and search details. Tap OK to begin tracking and sending data back to the server. When you tap Stop Tracking, you will be asked to confirm, and will be given the option to export and transmit a GPX-formatted version of your current track. 4.3 SEARCH DETAILS Details about the search, subject, clues, and assigned searchers can be found in the Detail view (Figure 4-8). Metron, Inc. 36

41 Figure 4-8 Detail View Each item in the Detail view is an expandable menu. If there is a blue arrow button on an item, tapping it will show detailed information about the item. Search Information shows the search status as well as information about the ICP and your assigned search sector, as specified on the SARApp server. Tap ICP to bring up the ICP phone number (if one was specified on the SARApp server), along with an option to call it. Tapping the blue arrow by Search Information allows the user to see detailed information about the search, including subject name, search status, search description, target picture, and recent updates (Figure 4-9). Tapping Subject Information allows the user to view a quick description of the subject (Figure 4-10). Metron, Inc. 37

42 Figure 4-9 Detailed Search Information Figure 4-10 Subject Information Select Clues to show a list of clues (Figure 4-11). This list includes all clues you have collected, as well as any clues collected by other searchers and forwarded to you by the search manager via the SARApp server. Tap any clue to see further details, including the description, location, and associated media (Figure 4-12). Tap Searchers to show a list of active searchers. Tap any searcher to display their Name, Organization, and Phone Number, with the option to call that searcher if desired (Figure 4-13). Metron, Inc. 38

43 Figure 4-11 Clues Figure 4-12 Clue Description Figure 4-13 Searcher Information Metron, Inc. 39

44 4.4 MAP In the Map view, you can view your tracks, search sectors, other searchers tracks, and clue locations (Figure 4-14). The map uses the Google Maps API (for ios 5 or lower) or the ios Maps API (for ios 6 and higher). To submit a photo or video clue, tap the Camera Icon in the upper-left corner of the view. Tap on the magnifying glass in the upper-right corner of the view to display and center the map on your current location. Figure 4-14 Map View MAP SETTINGS Tap the i info icon in the lower-right corner of the map to display the Map Settings view (Figure 4-15), which includes the following features: a) NICS Server Hostname: Specifies an external server host name to which tracking data will be sent. b) NICS Server Port Number: Specifies an external server port number to which tracking data will be sent. c) Upload Track: If set to On, your tracks are automatically uploaded to the SARApp server; if set to Off, you can manually upload tracks via the Show Tracks button at the bottom of the screen. The associated number specifies how many waypoints must be collected before a track update is sent to the server. d) Track Smoother: This feature is designed to reject spurious GPS waypoints caused by obstructions and other signal interference. The track smoother determines if newly collected waypoints are feasible by calculating the maximum distance that could be traveled since the last waypoint time using the speed associated with the currently Metron, Inc. 40

45 selected Transport Mode. Waypoints that are deemed infeasible are not added to the current track. Be sure to select the select the Transport Mode that corresponds to the maximum speed you expect to travel before you start tracking. The following values represent the assumed maximum speed for each Transport Mode: Walk: 5 mph Vehicle: 85 mph Airplane: 150 mph Horseback: 10 mph Boat: 45 mph Bike: 15 mph You can turn off GPS Track Smoothing to record all collected waypoints. e) Show Satellite Map: If on, satellite images are overlaid onto the map. f) Show Hybrid Map: If on, both satellite and street data are displayed on the map. g) Show Sweep Width: Displays swept areas in the sector. e) Show Tracks: Opens the Show Tracks view (Figure 4-16). Here you can do the following: Upload your tracks to the server manually. Get Other Tracks. You can get current locations or all tracks from other searchers that are checked into the current search (Figure 4-17). Clear All Tracks: You can delete selected tracks from the SARApp Client database. h) Audio/Text Clue: Opens the Audio/Text Clue recording dialog. Metron, Inc. 41

46 Figure 4-15 Map Settings Figure 4-16 Show Tracks View Figure 4-17 Get Other Tracks Options Metron, Inc. 42

47 4.4.2 CLUES Tap the Camera Icon on the Map View or the Audio/Text Clue option in the Map Settings view to collect and submit a clue to the server. Selecting the Camera Icon opens the device s camera application, which will allow you to record photos and videos. The audio or text clue button opens up a new view. For audio clues, you can record an audio clip and enter a title and description. For text clues, you can enter a title and text message. In all cases, you can upload clues immediately or choose to upload later. If you choose to upload later, you can upload the clue at any time by tapping its icon in the Map view or the clue name in the Clues list in the Detail view. Upload Later is provided for situations where cell connectivity is poor or nonexistent, and can also be used to preserve data usage. Metron, Inc. 43

48 5.0 APPENDICES 5.1 MISSION MANAGER GUIDE Mission Manager is a web-based application developed by Radishworks, LLC to manage search activity and search team information. SARApp can be used with Mission Manager to provide a mobile interface for Mission Manager Users. The SARApp Client provides volunteer data, track information, and evidence to a search manager using Mission Manager. To use this interface, you must first have a Mission Manager Account. Before the SARApp Client can send any data to Mission Manager, you must be manually checked in to an active Mission Manager Search, and you must be assigned to an active team and a search sector. You must also obtain an API Key from Mission Manager before you can pass track data to Mission Manager for display. While a SARApp profile is not required when using the Mission Manager Server, if you complete it your user name and phone number will be visible to other searchers in the Client Detail view. To get an API Key, log onto Mission Manager and select the Member tab. Under the API Key section, click Create or Reset and then to have Mission Manager an API key to your of record. Open this on your device, copy the key, exit your , and start up the SARApp Client. Select Mission Manager as your Server, then paste in the API Key. Your device will now send SARApp tracking data and evidence to the Mission Manager Map for viewing. Mission Manager accepts SARApp Client track waypoints every 30 seconds. This is a limitation imposed by Mission Manager which overrides the SARApp Client settings for the update rate. Additionally, Mission Manager only accepts evidence in the form of pictures, which must be smaller than 2MB. Pictures over this limit will be rejected. You may have to configure your device s camera app to reduce the resolution of pictures it takes. Mission Manager allows one track to be submitted per team; if a team is composed of multiple SARApp Client users, only one SARApp user should provide track data at a time to represent the efforts of the entire team. Metron, Inc. 44

49 5.2 NICS GUIDE The Next Generation Incident Command System (NICS), developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory under funding from the Department of Homeland Security s Science and Technology Directorate, is a web-based situational awareness and command and control environment for the first responder community. The SARApp Client can be used in conjunction with NICS to display the location of individual first responders on the NICS map. To use the SARApp Client with NICS, you must first create a SARApp Client profile. Once you have created your profile and checked in, you can start tracking in the Mgmt. view and see your current location in the Map view. At present, NICS only displays the current location of all searchers. Additionally, NICS users are not allowed to view other searchers locations or clues at this time. For additional information, see the Using SARApp to Track in NICS guides available for both Android and ios on the SARApp website documentation page. Metron, Inc. 45